Celebrating National K-9 Veterans Day

National K-9 Veterans Day was created by Joseph White, a former military working dog trainer, to commemorate the official birthday of the US Army K-9 Corps. Since the founding of this holiday, Veterans, K-9 breeders, and handlers have honored working military dogs for their heroism and service.

On March 13, 1942, the United States Army started training for its new War Dog Program, which officially came to be known as the K-9 Corps division. While the U.S. already had an unofficial canine presence during World War I, military dogs weren’t formally recognized until this day during World War II.

Initially, the American Kennel Association and a group known as Dogs for Defense organized a campaign for dog owners nationwide to donate the most capable and healthy animals to the Quartermaster Corps Army department. Over 30 breeds were accepted for the program, but eventually, the list was narrowed down to seven: German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies, Belgian Sheepdogs, collies, Malamutes, and Eskimo dogs.

K-9 Corps members were trained in basic obedience for eight to 12 weeks. Afterward, these service dogs typically worked in one of four specialized programs that prepared them for work as either sentry, messenger, patrol, or mine-detection.

Since the founding of the K-9 Corps unit, military war dogs have gone on to make remarkable achievements in American history. Organizations like the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, for example, were heavily instrumental in their services with the U.S. Marines throughout World War II. Even afterwards, war dogs had significant roles in the Korean War, Vietnam, and various conflicts in the Middle East.

Over the years, many military service dogs have stood out for their remarkable service, like:

• Sgt. Stubby – America’s “original war dog” who fought valiantly during World War I
• Rin Tin Tin – An international superstar rescued from the battlefield during World War I that captured the hearts of the American audience through silent films
• Chips – A German Shepherd who trained as a sentry dog and became the most decorated dog in World War II
• Cairo – A Belgian Malinois Navy SEAL dog who helped take down Bin Laden
• Sinbad – The Coast Guard sailor who served 11 years on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter George W. Campbell, which sunk the German submarine U-606

As previously mentioned, service dogs have been instrumental in lots of military initiatives, like scouting, search and rescue, and explosive detection. But the selfless deeds of these companions don’t stop at the battlefield.

For military Veterans who’ve battled with conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury, psychiatric service dogs have proven beneficial in many ways. Studies show that specially-trained dogs are great for:

• Reducing stress and anxiety levels
• Minimizing depressive symptoms
• Easing the social reintegration process post-combat
• Combating feelings of isolation
• Restoring confidence

These psychological benefits are one of the reasons why initiatives like American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program were created. Because returning to civilian life can be full of challenges for a Veteran, service dogs are exceptionally trained under the oversight of health professionals, animal welfare specialists, Veteran experts, and other advocates to ensure that the Veteran can foster a healthy connection with their companion.